Is MacBook Air Good for Programming?

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Yes, the MacBook Air can be good for programming. 

The M1 MacBook Air packs excellent performance for coding thanks to its fast chip, long battery life, and ability to run iOS simulators smoothly, though limited RAM caps complex tasks.

Keep reading to make an informed decision!

Your Programming Needs vs What MacBook Air Can Offer

The majority of the MacBook Air designed before 2020 were unable to satisfy pro programming needs.

While the M1 MacBook Air does, the question still remains: to what extent?

So, let’s explore the various programming needs and check how much the latest MacBook Air can help cover those requirements.

RAM – What MacBook Air’s RAM Specs Would be Best for Programming?

It is difficult to standardize the RAM requirement for programming because the RAM needed depends on the work you do.

For instance, programmers working on the cloud might not need to worry about the machine’s RAM size. Typically, for normal tasks, 8GB RAM would do the job.

However, if you code gaming programs or write programs for applications with graphics, bigger RAM is always better.

Tip: If you want to achieve standard performance during heavy programming with 8GB RAM, try deleting unused applications, restricting unnecessary apps from taking huge resources, and running macOS’s internal service task. Do not forget to manage startup applications.

Processor – How Strong MacBook Air is for Programming?

Not improving the processor’s performance with Apple’s new release had been a huge disappointment for users.

Thankfully, the new M1 chip has everything that a programmer would need to work without any hassle. This is a great improvement over its past releases that featured either an Intel Core i3 or the i5 processor.

While companies recommend having at least the i5 processor to carry out programming tasks, it still isn’t enough for bigger projects. That’s why I would recommend going for a MacBook Air with an M1 Apple chip.

This processor can run more cores at an even higher GHz. That means more power for computation.

Tip: With M1 Chip, now the latest MacBook Air and Pro sit side by side in processors’ performance.

Storage – Does This Even Matter?

Well, not as much as RAM and processor. Coding usually does not take plenty of storage space.

A 256 GB SSD is a good starting point.

And if you go for the 512 GB storage with MacBook Air M1, I am pretty sure you won’t need an external drive ever.

That said, you always have the option to cover the more space storage needs by using an external drive.

Tip: To save some extra bucks, you can choose to buy a 256 GB MacBook Air. It will be enough for all your programming projects. For the future, the option for adding an external drive is always open too. 

Design – Are There Any Improvements?

Some may differ from my views, but I believe that a laptop’s design matters a lot for developers. Spending hours on their machines, programmers usually prefer big screen sizes, comfortable keyboards, and hubs to connect different devices together.

Because you often need to work with multiple browser tabs, code editors, emulators, and compilers all at once, this is definitely a challenge for your eyes.

Adding True Tone to the latest MacBook Air models does compensate for that a little. The machine adjusts the screen brightness as per the surrounding lighting automatically.

Another improvement is the keyboard design. Unlike the older butterfly keys that were light and flimsy, the new backlit Magic keyboard is smoother and more functional.

All these perks make MacBook Air faster for typing and a highly reliable partner in coding.

However, in terms of ports available, the new MacBook Air is limited to using just two Thunderbolt/USB-4 ports.

Tip: Overall, the MacBook Air M1 design is fine. But to make the most of your spending, you must weigh your priorities in terms of screen size and port availability.

MacBook Air M1 for Programming: Pros and Cons

The latest MacBook Air M1 packs various benefits for coders. However, it is also worth noting that it is not perfect.

I have created this list to show you the pros and cons. So, if you are planning to purchase this laptop, make sure to set the expectations right.

Pros

• Supports almost every compiler environment.
• Compatible with open-source packages for tools such as MacPorts, Homebrew and more, the machine allows you to install various different applications.
• Supports XCode for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS programming with different languages.
• Supports a huge array of development tools and apps such as Eclipse, PyCharm, and more.
• With the new addition of ARM-based Android emulators, it is now possible to work with iOS as well as Android emulators.
• Very portable.

Cons

• The 13-inch retina display can be too small and thus not friendly for the eyes.
• Users can connect just one additional monitor.
• RAM could become limited for heavy use, such as when using iOS and Android emulators along with multiple applications simultaneously.

Other Questions You Might Have

Below is a list of questions related to the topic; I’ll answer them briefly.

Conclusion

If you are an Apple fan, the new MacBook Air with an M1 chip is a great choice for your programming needs. It has everything that you would require to complete your projects smoothly.

No matter if you are a beginner or a pro, the laptop gives you enough room to widen your creativity and carry heavy programming (to a certain limit, though) when needed. And the older MacBook Air models with Intel chips simply don’t cut it.

Lorena holds a 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip. Her role involves editorial management from writing to editing and ensuring that the articles are informative, useful, and relevant to readers who are new to Mac.